Pallid Sturgeon
A federally endangered native sturgeon of the Missouri and lower Yellowstone rivers, stocked in Montana purely as part of a species recovery effort.
- Scientific name
- Scaphirhynchus albus
- Family
- Acipenseridae
- Adult size
- Can exceed 5 feet; a slow-growing, long-lived species.
Identification
Pale, almost translucent body, a flattened shovel-shaped snout, and rows of bony plates along the back and sides.
Habitat
Large, turbid, free-flowing rivers with strong current and sand or gravel bottoms.
Diet
Small fish and aquatic invertebrates, located along the river bottom.
Conservation
Federally endangered; Montana's stocking program raises hatchery fish to supplement one of the most imperiled fish populations in the country.
Recommended Tackle & Gear for Pallid Sturgeon
Field-tested tackle, baits, and rigging strategies suited for catching Pallid Sturgeon.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
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Where Pallid Sturgeon is stocked
When Pallid Sturgeon is stocked
Top Pallid Sturgeon waters
Frequently asked
Where is Pallid Sturgeon stocked?
Pallid Sturgeon is stocked in 3 waters across 1 state: Montana.
When is Pallid Sturgeon stocked?
Pallid Sturgeon is typically stocked year-round, most often in October, based on records across every state that stocks it.
How many Pallid Sturgeon are stocked?
About 471,130 Pallid Sturgeon have been stocked on record since 1998, across Montana.
What size Pallid Sturgeon are stocked?
Stocked Pallid Sturgeon average about 6.6 inches, based on sizes reported by Montana.
What does a Pallid Sturgeon look like?
Pale, almost translucent body, a flattened shovel-shaped snout, and rows of bony plates along the back and sides.